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| TOMS X The Row: The Row teamed up with TOMS to turn out a luxurious, limited edition collection of cashmere and Italian wool TOMS for fall. For every pair of TOMS purchased a pair of shoes is given to a child in need. Photo via TOMS.com |
When my partner and I started toying with the idea of opening
show & tell we knew that we didn't just want to open another boutique selling pretty things. If we were going to open a store of any kind it had to be meaningful in some way. Months of brainstorming yielded the ambitious mission of stocking our shelves solely with fashionable goods that are about more than being stylish. In our effort to shift the paradigm of retail in this country we sought out local lesser know brands that are produced in the U.S., goods that are made using fair trade, ethical and sustainable practices, and brands that directly benefit underserved members of the global community.
At first I thought our lofty mission would be a challenge to uphold, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a bevy of brands out there that are doing amazing things. I am particularly partial to cause based brands that do something tangible for every one of their products that is purchased. Being an avid shopper there is always something for me to covet, but knowing that I can choose to spend my money on products that help to make a difference is even more rewarding than how great said product will look with my latest outfit.
While
TOMS is a superstar in the cause based game, with a 1 for 1 promise, comfy shoes, and a new line of sunglasses, there are several other brands out their doing amazing things.
Here are the deats on some of my other faves:
What: This brand packs a lot of punch producing Sustainable, Fair Trade, Organic Denim. As if that wasn't enough they also donate 1/4 of their profits to local and international project like the
SA Foundation, that provides support for women who have been victims of or are in danger of sexual exploitation and trafficking.
What: In addition to offering fashionable and affordable sunnies and specs Warby Parker has teamed up with non-profits like
VisionSpring.org to offer a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair they sell. Soon to come a collaboration with the pattern masters of
Suno.
Where: Get your glasses and find out more at
www.warbyparker.com
Who: Falling Whistles
What: Falling Whistles has turned the weapon of children on the front lines of the war in the Congo into a tool to help rehabilitate these children and turn them into activist for human rights. Through a partnership with community leaders in the Congo and with funds raised through the sale of the
FW necklaces and other products children of the war are taken through a 4 stage program that includes education, arts, and other skill building programs.
Where:You can purchase a necklace and learn more about how you can help the situation in the Congo at
www.fallingwhistles.com
Who: Freewaters Sandals
What: California based Freewaters makes your new favorite pair of flip flops that feature an ergonomic design and eco-friendly materials and production. When you purchase a pair of Freewaters sandals you provide access to clean drinking water for 1 individual for 1 year.
Where: See the full line of sandals and learn more about the clean water projects at
www.freewaters.com
